Showing Kindness to non-Muslims in an Era of Islamophobia

How do we deal with Islamophobia in this day and age? Let’s read this article to find out.

Prophet Muhammad said: “All creatures are like a family (dependents) of God: and He loves most those who are kindest to his family.” [1. Narrated by Anas. Mishkat al-Masabih,3:1392; quoted from Bukhari]

The above hadith teaches Muslims to be kind to non-Muslims because they are Allah’s creation.

The Quran reminds us to be kind to non-Muslims as long as they do not harm us:

“Allah does not forbid you respecting those who have not made war against you due to (your) religion, and have not driven you from your homes, that you show them kindness and deal with them justly; surely Allah loves the doers of justice.” (Quran, 60:8)

Learn from each other

The Quran teaches that Allah created different groups of people so that they can learn about one another:

“O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes so that you may know one another…”(Quran 49:13)

Terrorism has no place in Islam

Terrorism is totally against the teachings of Islam. To kill an innocent person is like killing all of humanity:

“…If anyone killed a person not in retaliation of murder, or for corruption (done) in the land – it would be as if he killed all mankind, and if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind… (Quran, 5:32)

Self defense

Quran teaches that fighting is only done in self-defence and must stop if the enemy desires peace:

“Fight in the Way of God against those who fight you, but do not go beyond the limits. God does not love those who go beyond the limits.” (Quran 2:190)

“…But if they cease, then let there be no hostility except against those who practice oppression.” (Quran 2:193)

“But if the enemy inclines towards peace, you (also) incline towards peace, and trust in Allah… Even if they intend to deceive you, remember that God is sufficient for you…” (Quran 8:61-62)

If fighting must occur for self defense, prisoners of war should be treated with kindness.

About captives of war, the Prophet said, “They are your brothers! Offer them what you eat and drink!”1

After the Battle of Badr, prisoners of war were brought. Among them was al-Abbas. He did not have a shirt on, so the Prophet looked for a shirt for him. It turned out that a shirt of Abdullah bin Ubayy was the right size, so the Prophet gave it to al-Abbas to wear and compensated Abdullah with his own shirt. [3. Bukhari]

Free will

The Quran states that all people have the right to choose their religion and that it is God’s will that people have different religions.

Islamic Scholar Muhammad Abdel Haleem writes: “Nowhere in the Quran is changing people’s religion given as a cause for waging war. The Qur’an gives a clear instruction that there is no compulsion in religion (Quran 2:256). It states that people will remain different (Quran 11:118), they will always have different religions and ways and this is an unalterable fact (Quran 5:48) – God tells the Prophet that most people will not believe “even if you are eager that they should” (Quran 12:103).” 2

Islamophobia

Islamophobia is prejudice and discrimination towards Muslims due to their religion. The above hadith encourages kindness as a means to please God. Therefore, kindness is the primary solution for Islamophobia. The Quran states:

“Good and Evil deeds are not alike. Repel evil with good, and he who is your enemy will become your dearest friend.” (Quran 41:34)

Imam Abdul Malik Mujahid reminds us how the Prophet responded to ill treatment:

“Remember the Prophet. The Prophet was subject to horrible insults and hate crimes in his lifetime. He remained steadfast, patient and tolerant in the face of this Islamophobia. We must model this same behavior.” 3

Imam Mujahid recommends kindness to neighbors as a solution:

“Instead of a term of distance like “Non-Muslims” use a term of relationship like “neighbors” when referring to our neighbors. The Prophet said, “Jibril kept recommending treating neighbors with kindness until I thought he would assign a share of inheritance to the neighbors.” (Bukhari and Muslim). Given this level of familiarity and closeness we should have with our neighbors, it is amazing the way we keep ignoring them, especially in neighborhoods with large, vibrant mosques and Islamic centers.” 4

Over to you. Please share with us in the comments section on ways to tackle Islamophobia.

Sheima Salam Sumer, Ed.S., earned her Master’s degree in Counselor Education from the University of South Carolina in 2007. She has worked as a professional counselor in a variety of settings. She published her first book in 2012 titled, “The Basic Values of Islam: Alphabetically Listed with Islamic References” (AS Noordeen). Her second book, “How to be a Happy Muslim Insha’Allah,” reflects her journey on how to feel good/happy within while being true to Islam, her faith. She hopes that this book will show others how to reconcile Islamic teachings with the goal of feeling positive feelings, for the sake of being a more productive Muslim, insha’Allah. Her website is www.howtobeahappymuslim.com

If you liked the article, do leave a comment down below

4 Responses

I like the idea of referring to those who are not Muslim as “neighbors” instead of “non-Muslims” to put a greater emphasis on treating them with kindness and to ensure we grant them their rights (even when they may not grant us our rights).

One of the best ways to tackle Islamophobia is to simply practice the teachings of Islam everywhere and anywhere. Doing so will help to debunk myths and stereotypes that others may have of us, create (and eventually spread) a more positive image of our deen and its followers, and allow us to gain limitless rewards and blessings in the process.

Another method is to educate others about Islam—starting with those closest to us (family, friends, co-workers, etc.). We should make them feel comfortable about asking us questions about the deen and we should take advantage of opportunities we’re given to inform them about the religion (e.g. give a speech/presentation on a certain aspect of the deen such as fasting, invite them to attend an event at the masjid with you).

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